Comet posing beside crescent moon in cool photo

Comet PanSTARRS

In this Sunday, March 10, 2013 photo taken with a 600-millimeter telephoto lens, comet Pan-STARRS appears between the clouds low in the western sky as seen from Harrells, N.C. The comet, which was closest to the sun on Sunday, is expected to become more easily visible to observers in the Northern Hemisphere during the coming week. (AP Photo/The Fayetteville Observer, Johnny Horne)

AP

MARCIA DUNN,AP Aerospace Writer

Published: Monday, March 11, 2013 at 2:48 p.m.

Last Modified: Monday, March 11, 2013 at 2:48 p.m.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — Now's your chance to see the comet that passed within 100 million miles of Earth last week.

At twilight Tuesday, the comet called Pan-STARRS will be visible in the Northern Hemisphere above the western horizon — right next to a crescent moon.

California astronomer Tony Phillips says the glare of the setting sun may make it difficult to see the comet with the naked eye. But he says the slender moon will be "super beautiful." Toss in a comet, and it will be a special 2-for-1.

Remember your binoculars, but be certain not to point them at the setting sun.

Next week, the comet should be easier to spot.

Pan-STARRS is making its first-ever cruise through the inner solar system. It passed within 28 million miles of the sun Sunday.

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